Animal lovers and their pets flocked to Saks Fifth Avenue on Thursday evening to kick off the Celebrity Paws Across Texas Gala. The crowd of more than 100 Citizens for Animal Protection supporters sipped prosecco and RWB Vodka Cosmopolitan martinis in preparation for the upcoming soiree on Nov. 22.

For 42 years, the non-profit has sheltered, rescued and placed homeless animals with loving families.

“We found Tony after a heavy rain,” Bobby Dees explained of his tuxedo-clad canine. “There was something in the middle of a mud puddle. I didn’t realize what it was at first, but someone had left him there.”

He continued, “We named him after Tony Soprano, because no one messes with anyone named Tony. Our other pets wouldn’t come near him at first, but he strutted around like he owned the place.”